Corinne (Book One of The Red Diamond Saga) by Jennifer Janne Read Free Book Online Page B

tension of her muscles and the fury in her expression. “Can I trust you to behave?”
    Corinne narrowed her eyes at the man as he watched her. “I want to go home.” She said flatly. “I don't care who you are, or who you think I am, I just want to go home.”
    The man tilted his head lightly to the side as grief washed over his face. “Corinne, my darling, don't you realize, you are home.”
    The door to the room abruptly slid open and the woman who had evaluated her earlier stepped into the room, followed by another man, who was younger than the first. The woman was in casual clothes now, as was the man beside her.
    “This is Lisa, and Aaron.” The older man explained. “I am Conner, and we are certainly not here to hurt you.”
    “Then let me leave.” Corinne insisted as she gazed wildly from one face to another. To her they were nothing more than predators, first kidnapping and then imprisoning her against her will.
    “It will take you some time to understand.” Lisa said gently, her words still cold when she spoke them, though she did force a smile.
    “Perhaps it would be better if we show you.” Conner said as he gestured to the door. “Can I trust you?”
    Corinne smiled wryly at the question. She was hearing that word, trust, so often lately and still had very little concept of what it meant. Still she was growing more curious about why she had been taken, and perhaps if she played their game, she could figure out how to escape.
    She nodded without vocalizing an answer.
    Aaron was not pretending to be friendly. He was openly glowering at her as he folded his arms across his chest. He appeared to be in his twenties, with short blonde hair and eyes as foreboding as his attitude. She sensed only danger from him, and did her best to avoid looking at him.
    As she was led out of the room, she stepped out of the cell into a completely different environment. There were several people moving around a large room that was filled with computers and huge television screens that hung from the ceiling. Some displayed news channels, while others were full of numbers, constantly cycling.
    “What is this?” She whispered as she stared at all of the equipment, she was certain this place was more technologically advanced than the CIA.
    “Research.” Conner replied as he lightly patted her shoulder. “Don't worry; it will all make sense soon.” He led her down a small hallway that was lined with offices. Some were occupied some were not. When they reached a conference room, he stepped inside. Corinne followed, but Lisa and Aaron stayed outside.
    “Sit down, please.” Conner said as he pointed out a seat at the table. He sat down beside her and folded his hands casually along the table top. “Corinne when I said you were special, it was more than a compliment.” He nodded his head toward Lisa and Aaron who were watching through the glass windows of the room. “They are special, just like you.”
    Corinne sighed heavily as she began to suspect she was involved in some science fiction fantasy. “Look, you have the wrong person. There is nothing special about me.” She started to stand up.
    “Sit down.” Conner commanded, and though Corinne did not want to sit, she immediately sat back down in her chair. She was confused by this. She wanted with all of her will to get up and try to leave the room, but she could not get herself to move.
    “I am special too.” Conner said with a small smile.
    “Am I dreaming?” Corinne asked as she stared at Conner who without lifting a finger was somehow restraining her.
    “No sweetheart, you are wide awake. Well,” He paused a moment, and then added. “You will be.”
    He nodded his head toward Lisa who stepped quickly into the room. Before Corinne could even think to resist, Lisa had withdrawn a small needle from her pocket and inserted it into the back of Corinne's hand. The needle pinched her flesh and made her wince. The liquid that was spewed into her vein burned as